Artificial climbing trees and support system

ABSTRACT

An artificial climbing tree assembly consisting of one or more artificial climbing trees will be constructed of a steel pipe or tubular framework, in segments or welded together, covered with molded segments having the outward appearance of a natural tree trunk texture. The trees will be attached to a base plate with a central support tower housing a safety belaying and repelling system. The unique safety incorporated into the invention is created by the inclination of the trees away from the top of the central support tower. A tether line attaches from the back of the climber to the top of the tree through a pulley system in the extension arm to the safety belaying and repelling system housed by the central support tower. The climbers are required to climb the face of the trees, where if they let go, they will fall away from the tree and will be slowly lowered by the safety belaying and repelling system to the foam-cushioned pad below. Varying degrees of climbing difficulty will be added to the trees by changing the textured surface, the shape of the tree trunks, and/or the inclination angle of the tree away from the top of the central support tower.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of sport climbing structures usedfor recreational and sport climbing. In particular, this inventionrelates to artificial climbing trees with a safety belaying andrepelling system connected to a base platform with a central supportstructure. More specifically, this invention describes one or moreartificial climbing trees in a variety of shapes and sizes with varyingnatural surface textures and appearance. The artificial climbing treesare adjacent to the central support structure and anchored on the baseplatform. The central support structure houses the safety belaying andrepelling system with extension arms that extend over each artificialclimbing tree. The artificial climbing trees incline away from the topof the central support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sport climbing on artificial structures has evolved from the traditionaloutdoor sport of rock climbing, wherein climbers ascended naturalboulders and rock faces. Sport climbing in gymnasiums and recreationcenters has gained a great deal of popularity because of its convenienceand the new safety devices that have been developed to restrain andlower climbers from artificial rock structures. Climbing gyms areequipped with artificial walls, ceilings and caves designed to simulatenatural rock features. The surface of these artificial rock structuresis provided with handholds that the climber grabs, pulls on, and stepson in order to ascend or traverse between two points of the artificialrock surface. One detrimental feature of the rock walls is the barrenand unsightly appearance of handholds all over the walls' surface. Whilethe handholds are necessary to climb the rock walls, they do not add tothe natural appearance of the rock-like structure.

The inventor, combining the knowledge that young people love to climbtrees with the fact that Polynesian people have been climbing coconutpalm trees for decades, has devised the invention of the artificialclimbing tree and support system. This unique invention is accomplishedin part by using the safety belaying and repelling system designed forbungee towers. The artificial tree-like structures will be constructedof a steel pipe or tubular framework, in segments or welded together, asan armature for the trees. The surface of the artificial climbing treeswill consist of one or more molded segments that form around the steelpipe or tubular framework to give the natural appearance of a tree.Varying degrees of climbing difficulty will be added to the artificialclimbing trees by changing the surface texture, the shape of the treetrunks, and/or the inclination of the trees away from the top of thecentral support structure. The recent development of more life-likeartificial foliage will be used to add natural appearance to the trees.The central support structure will be covered by artificial foliage toappear as an ornamental trellis. A foam-cushioned pad covered withAstroturf® will cover the base platform to give an attractivegarden-like appearance. The artificial climbing trees will appearnatural in every way, with no unsightly handholds or footgrips to aidclimbers. Climber-actuated audio devices that sound when the climbersreach the top of the tree, will be located at the top of each tree.

The unique safety incorporated into the invention is created by theinclination of the trees away from the top of the central supportstructure. A tether line extends from the back of the climber to the topof the tree through a pulley system located in the extension arm, to thesafety belaying and repelling system within the central supportstructure. The climbers are required to climb the face of the trees,where if they let go, they will fall away from the tree and will beslowly lowered by the belaying and repelling system to thefoam-cushioned pad below.

Climbing trees is an entirely different process than climbing rocks.Climbing rocks involves gripping and pulling with the hands whilestepping on objects with the feet. Climbing trees involves gripping andpulling with the hands and stepping on limbs when possible, combinedwith holding and squeezing with the legs, or in the case of palm trees,holding with the hands and pushing away from the trunk with the feet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,574 of Raymond Johnson describes a portable, stable,motor-less rope climbing exercise machine comprising a stable supportframe, a plurality of rope pulleys and rope guides mounted on the frame,an endless rope extending around the pulleys, and guides to form a pathwhich includes a vertically extending rope climbing portion andhydraulic braking assembly coupled to the pulley system, for controllingthe rate of movement of the rope based upon the weight of the user whensaid user is climbing the rope.

This patent describes a rope climbing exercise machine and does not dealwith the climbing of artificial trees or the use of any form of safetybelaying or repelling system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,587 of Eric R. Ulner teaches of a system forproviding a course layout to simulate rock climbing, comprising metaltracking, hand and foot holds, and means for securing the holds to thetracking. The tracking may be arranged in various directions andorientations and may be secured to both walls and ceilings. Threedifferent types of holds are disclosed: the sliding plate hold, thehinge hold and the jam hold. Each hold is designed to provide a meansfor grasping, supporting, or gaining leverage as a climber proceedsalong the course layout. Further, each type of hold has means forattaching an artificial rock outcropping that additionally simulatesconditions encountered in rock climbing. Thus, the invention helps tocreate certain physical characteristics of rock formations that one mayencounter while rock climbing.

This patent deals with hand and foot holds and a metal tracking in acourse layout to simulate rock climbing. The system has similarities tothe rock climbing walls, but it neither involves climbing trees, nordescribes the safety belaying and repelling system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,877 of George Brewer discloses a simulated climbingwall comprised of a frame, at least two guide members rotatably attachedat the top of the frame, and a chain structure, including a plurality ofclimbing wall panels, each wall panel having a removable surface panel,wherein each wall panel is flexibly attached to the next in a continuouschain. The chain structure is guided by the guide members that simulatea climbing wall that has an orientation with respect to vertical thatcorresponds to the orientation of the guide members such that the pitchangle of the climbing wall is adjustable and such that the panels may bemoved downwardly in a controlled manner as the climber climbs.

This invention is another sport climbing device that simulates climbingrock walls and does not let the climber ascend high enough to requirethe safety belaying and repelling system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,058 of Francois Savigny additionally describes amodular rough surface of a climbing wall that is formed by an assemblyof elementary panels having specific curved structures, and arranged ina plurality of levels. The projection of the different panels on therear plane parallel to the fixed support gives identical projectedsurfaces in the form of squares, or any other inscribed polygon. Theside edges of the panels comprise a first profile associated with afirst level difference, and/or a second profile associated with a secondlevel difference. Assembly of the panels is performed with consecutiveedges of the same profiles and level differences.

This patent describes the unique construction of an artificial climbingwall with a modular surface. It neither deals with climbing of a varietyof trees, nor describes the safety belaying and repelling system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,116 of Donald Robinson tells of a climbing featuredevice for installation in or on a climbing surface that comprises aplurality of faces having different climbing features thereon, theclimbing device being operable, when installed, to present differentselectable faces at a climbing surface. The device may comprise a rotaryhexagonal drum having different climbing features on at least some ofits six surfaces, which may be presented at the climbing surface asrequired. On the hexagonal dram, one face could be blank in order toprovide no climbing feature at that particular location on the climbingwall if required, with different climbing features on the othersurfaces. It is advantageous if the device is designed so that eachclimbing feature, when presented, is extremely rigidly fixed so thatthere is no danger to the climber. Further as regards safety, the deviceis preferably designed to be failsafe, so that it is maintained in arigidly fixed position should the device fail.

This patent deals with a climbing feature for installation on a climbingsurface. It again neither deals with climbing of a variety of trees, nordescribes the safety belaying and repelling system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,663 B1 of Richard R. Popp discloses a climbing wallfor simulating outdoor rock climbing activity. The climbing wallincludes a front surface, a rear surface and an intermediate portionreaching between the front surface and the rear surface. Theintermediate portion defines one or more openings that extend throughthe climbing wall. The openings are located in positions that allow achild to travel safely around on the climbing wall. The intermediateportion also includes a grip projecting outward from the front surfaceand preferably the rear surface of the climbing wall. The grips aredesigned to allow a child to maneuver safely around the climbing wall.

This is yet another patent dealing with a vertical climbing wall forsimulating outdoor rock climbing activities.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,216 B2 of Brian George Rennex describes arock-climbing structure including one or more pliable climbing matricesheld under tension and a plurality of rock-climbing/gymnastic holdsattached to the pliable climbing matrices. In an embodiment of theinvention, a climbing matrix is, for example, a net or sheet. Theplurality of holds can be attached to the one or more pliable climbingmatrices by, for example, clasp rods that clamp a matrix or by clampsthat engage a cord of the matrix. In an embodiment of the invention,distances between each hold of the plurality of holds vary across aclimbing matrix to create a varied climbing route. The holds caninclude, for example, a hold edge, a jib hold, a hold hole, a hold lip,a hold crack, or a hold boss.

This patent describes a rock climbing structure consisting of a pliableclimbing matrix. Again, it neither deals with climbing a variety oftrees, nor describes the safety belaying and repelling system.

None of the foregoing prior art teaches or suggests the particularunique application of a variety of artificial, inclined trees as thedevice used to climb by climbers in a commercial or recreational sportclimbing activity, nor utilizes a safety belaying and repelling systemtherein.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangement, of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it involves the creation of a newsport climbing structure.

Another advantage of the invention is that it involves the creation of asport climbing structure that is attractive and may be used as adecoration advantage as well as a source of income.

A further advantage of the invention is that it involves the creation ofa sport climbing structure that uses a variety of artificial trees asclimbing devices.

And still another advantage of the invention is in the creation of a newsport climbing structure that incorporates the safety belaying andrepelling system used with bungee towers.

A further advantage of the invention is the inclination of the trees outfrom the central support structure so that if the climber lets go, theywill be safely lowered down and away from the tree trunk.

An even further advantage of the invention is the creation of a varietyof surface textures for the tree trunks to increase or reduce thedifficulty of climbing the trees.

And still another advantage of the invention is the ability to vary theinclination angle of the top of the trees away from the central supporttower to increase or decrease the difficulty of climbing the trees.

A final advantage of the invention is the addition of the new and uniqueartificial climbing tree assembly to the vast number of commercial andrecreational entertainment activities and devices.

These advantages of the invention, along with the various features ofnovelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out withparticularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of thisdisclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operatingadvantages, and the specific advantages attained by its uses, referenceshould be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of one or more palmtrees of varying sizes. These trees will contain a decorative topsection of artificial foliage with the trunk fabricated from a metal orcomposite pipe or tubing framework, in segments or joined together. Oneor more molded surface segments having a variety of surface textureswill give a natural appearance of a palm tree trunk. The artificialclimbing trees will have a safety belaying and repelling system housedby a central support structure, in this case, a tower with an extensionarm. This safety belaying and repelling system will require climbers towear a safety harness attached to a tether line that will extend overpulleys on the one extension arm to the inner region of the centralsupport tower. The palm trees will be attached to a base platform bymeans of a mounting plate and anchor bolts. The central support towerwill also be anchored to the base platform by conventional means. Itmust be understood that the tree mounting plates and the central supporttower could be anchored permanently to concrete footings within aconcrete slab and still remain within the scope of this patent.Additionally, the base platform can be equipped with extension legs foradditional support or if the artificial climbing trees are used asportable units. The central support tower will be covered by artificialfoliage so as to appear as an ornamental trellis. A foam-cushioned padcovered with Astroturf® will give the attractive garden-like appearancedesired by covering the base platform. The palm trees will inclineoutwardly from the central support tower, and the metal or compositepipe or tubular framework will be rigidly connected to the extensionarms. Varying degrees of climbing difficulty will be added to eachartificial climbing tree by changing the textured surface, the shape ofthe tree trunk, and/or the inclination angle of the tree trunk away fromthe top of the central support tower.

It must also be fully understood that the safety belaying and repellingsystem could be incorporated into the design of the tree trunk pipe ortubing framework, eliminating the central support tower and the palmtrees used as single or multiple units, and still remain within thescope of this patent.

The alternate embodiment of the artificial climbing tree will consist ofone or more of a wide variety to trees to be used with limbs. The treeswill have multiple limbs that contain artificial foliage on their ends.The multiple limbs can be added or removed to alter the degree ofclimbing difficulty of the trees. The trees will also contain afoam-cushioned pad covered with Astroturf® covering the base platform togive the most natural appearance possible. These artificial climbingtrees will be constructed of a metal or composite pipe or tubularframework, in segments or joined together, covered with one or moremolded surface segments having a wide variety of surface textures. Thesafety belaying and repelling system will be housed in the centralsupport structure, in this case a tower with an extension arm, with theclimbers using the safety harness attached to the tether line extendingover the pulleys on the extension arm. The trees will incline outwardlyaway from the central support tower so that if the climber lets go ofthe tree, they will fall away from the tree and will be slowly loweredby the safety belaying and repelling system to the foam-cushioned padbelow. The trees will be attached to a base platform by means of amounting plate and anchor bolts. The central support tower will also beanchored to the base platform by conventional means. It must beunderstood that the tree mounting plates and the central support towercould be anchored permanently to concrete footings within a concreteslab and still remain within the scope of this patent.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of thisinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theartificial climbing tree as two palm trees, with two climbers attemptingto climb them.

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of a typical artificial climbing treeassembly with a variety of sizes and locations for the extension armsextending from the central support structure to the palm trees.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a typical tree trunk with theinternal pipe or tubular framework and a segment of the molded outersurface material.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theartificial climbing tree with limbs and a single climber attempting toclimb the tree.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the inventionare identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 aperspective view of the preferred embodiment of the artificial climbingtree 10A shown as two palm trees 12, with two climbers 14 attempting toclimb them. The climbers 14 are restrained by a safety belaying andrepelling system 16. The system includes a safety harness 18 worn by theclimbers 14. The safety harness 18 is connected to a tether line 20,extends over pulleys 22 on the extension arm 24 to the safety belayingand repelling system 16 located in the inner region of the centralsupport tower 26.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the extension arms 24 will extend out from thecentral support tower 26 in a variety of lengths and at varyinglocations depending upon the number of palm trees 12 used. The palmtrees 12 used on the device will consist of a palm treetop section 28 ofartificial foliage 30, and referring now to FIG. 3, with the tree trunk32 fabricated from a steel pipe or tubing framework 34 in segments orwelded together with one or more molded surface segments 36 having atextured surface 38 to give the natural appearance of a palm tree trunk32. Varying degrees of climbing difficulty will be added to each tree bychanging the textured surface 38, the shape of the tree trunk 32, andthe inclination angle away from the top of the central support tower 26.As FIG. 1 illustrates, the palm trees 12 will be attached to the baseplatform 40 by means of a mounting plate 42 and anchor bolts 44. Thecentral support tower 26 will additionally be anchored to the baseplatform 40 by conventional means. It must be understood that themounting plate 42 and the central support tower 26 can be permanentlyanchored to concrete footings within a concrete slab and still remainwithin the scope of this patent. Additionally, the base platform 40 canbe equipped with extension legs 48, shown in FIG.1, for additionalsupport or if the artificial climbing tree 10A is used as a portableunit. The central support tower 26 will also be covered by artificialfoliage 46 so as to appear as an ornamental trellis. A foam-cushionedpad 50 covered with Astroturf 52 will give the attractive garden-likeappearance desired by covering the base platform 40. The palm trees 12will incline outwardly from the central support tower 26, and the metalor composite pipe or tubular framework 34 will be rigidly connected tothe extension arms 24.

It must also be fully understood that the safety belaying and repellingsystem 16 could be incorporated into the design of the tree trunk 30steel pipe or tubing framework 34, eliminating the central support tower26 and the palm trees 12 used as single or multiple units, and stillremain within the scope of this patent.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of analternate embodiment of an artificial climbing tree 10B with the tree 60being one of a wide variety to trees to be used with tree limbs 62 and aclimber 14 attempting to climb the tree 60. One or more trees 60 willhave artificial foliage 64 on the ends of the tree limbs 62, and thefoam-cushioned pad 50 covered with Astroturf 52 will cover the baseplatform 40 to give the most natural appearance possible. The trees 60will be constructed of a steel pipe or tubular framework 34, in segmentsor welded together, covered with molded surface segments 36 having awide variety of textured surfaces 38, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thealternative embodiment of the artificial climbing tree 10B will have thesafety belaying and repelling system 16 housed by the central supporttower 26 with the climber 14 using the safety harness 18 attached to thetether line 20 extending over the pulleys 22 on the extension arm 24.The trees 60 will incline outwardly away from the top of the centralsupport tower 26, so that if the climber 14 lets go of the tree 60, theywill fall away from the tree 60 and be slowly lowered by the safetybelaying and repelling system 16 to the foam-cushioned pad below. Thetrees 60 and the central support tower 26 will be attached to the baseplatform 40, or may be permanently anchored to concrete footings in aslab.

The artificial climbing trees 10A and 10B shown in the drawings anddescribed in detail herein, disclose arrangements of elements ofparticular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred andalternate embodiments of structure and method of operation of thepresent invention. It is to be understood however, that elements ofdifferent construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof,other than those illustrated and described herein, may be employed forproviding the artificial climbing trees 10A and 10B in accordance withthe spirit of this invention, and such changes, alternations, andmodifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are consideredto be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in theappended claims.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the UnitedStates Patent and Trademark Office and the general public, especiallyscientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to quickly determine from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to limit the scope of the invention in any regard.

1. An artificial climbing tree assembly and support system comprising:a) base means for supporting one or more artificial climbing trees,wherein said one or more artificial climbing trees are removablyattached to said base means; b) a support structure coupled to said basemeans and adjacent to said one or more artificial climbing trees, whichincludes one or more extension arms extending to and supporting said oneor more artificial climbing trees; and c) a safety belaying andrepelling system housed by said support structure; whereby when aclimber ascends and falls from said one or more artificial climbingtrees, said safety belaying and repelling system safely decreases saidclimber's rate of fall.
 2. The artificial climbing tree assembly andsupport system according to claim 1, wherein said base means is aplatform with adjustable legs.
 3. The artificial climbing tree assemblyand support system according to claim 1, wherein said base means iscovered by cushioned padding.
 4. The artificial climbing tree assemblyand support system according to claim 3, wherein said base means iscovered by Astroturf® or other artificial surface material.
 5. Theartificial climbing tree assembly and support system according to claim1, wherein said one or more artificial climbing trees are configured toresemble palm trees.
 6. The artificial climbing tree assembly andsupport system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more artificialclimbing trees comprises: a) a tree trunk; and b) a decorative topsection comprised of artificial foliage, wherein said decorative topsection is located at the top of said tree trunk.
 7. The artificialclimbing tree assembly and support system according to claim 6, whereinsaid tree trunk comprises: a) a tubular framework; and b) one or moremolded segments having a textured surface, wherein said one or moremolded segments encompass said tubular framework.
 8. The artificialclimbing tree assembly and support system according to claim 7, whereinsaid tubular framework is comprised of joined together segments.
 9. Theartificial climbing tree assembly and support system according to claim1, wherein said one or more artificial climbing trees contain multiplelimbs.
 10. The artificial climbing tree assembly and support systemaccording to claim 9, wherein said multiple limbs are removably attachedto said one or more artificial climbing trees.
 11. The artificialclimbing tree assembly and support system according to claim 10, whereinthe ends of said multiple limbs contain artificial foliage.
 12. Theartificial climbing tree assembly and support system according to claim1, wherein said artificial climbing trees incline away from the top ofsaid support structure.
 13. The artificial climbing tree assembly andsupport system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more artificialclimbing trees contain one or more molded surface segments having atextured surface.
 14. The artificial climbing tree assembly and supportsystem according to claim 13, wherein said textured surface containsmultiple protrusions of varied shapes and sizes for the purpose ofaltering the degree of climbing difficulty of said one or moreartificial climbing trees.
 15. The artificial climbing tree assembly andsupport system according to claim 1, wherein said artificial climbingtrees include a tubular framework.
 16. The artificial climbing treeassembly and support system according to claim 1, wherein saidartificial climbing trees are rigidly connected to said one or moreextension arms of said support structure.
 17. The artificial climbingtree assembly and support system according to claim 1, wherein said oneor more artificial climbing trees contain one or more molded surfacesegments having a textured surface.
 18. The artificial climbing treeassembly and support system according to claim 1, wherein said supportstructure is a tower.
 19. The artificial climbing tree assembly andsupport system according to claim 18, wherein said support structure iscovered by artificial foliage.
 20. The artificial climbing tree assemblyand support system according to claim 1, wherein said support structureis centrally located on said base means.
 21. The artificial climbingtree assembly and support system according to claim 1, wherein saidsupport structure includes one or more adjustable extension arms. 22.The artificial climbing tree assembly and support system according toclaim 1, wherein said safety belaying and repelling system comprises: a)a safety harness for securing a climber to said safety belaying andrepelling system; b) a pulley system housed by said one or moreextension arms for decreasing said climber's rate of fall from said oneor more artificial climbing trees; and c) a tether line extending fromthe back of said climber to the top of said one or more artificialclimbing trees, through said pulley system housed by said one or moreextension arms, to said support structure; whereby when a climber fallsfrom said one or more artificial climbing trees, said harness worn bysaid climber, in conjunction with said pulley system and said tetherline, safely decrease said climber's rate of fall.
 23. The artificialclimbing tree assembly and support system according to claim 1 furthercomprising a climber-activated audio/visual device to indicate when aclimber has ascended to the top of said one or more artificial climbingtrees.
 24. An artificial climbing tree assembly and support systemcomprising: a) base means for supporting one or more artificial climbingtrees, wherein said one or more artificial climbing trees are removablyattached to said base means; and b) a safety belaying and repellingsystem housed by said one or more artificial climbing trees; wherebywhen a climber ascends and falls from said one or more artificialclimbing trees, said safety belaying and repelling system safelydecreases said climber's rate of fall.
 25. A method for making anartificial climbing tree assembly and support system comprising thesteps of: a) assembling one or more artificial climbing trees; b)providing a base means for supporting said one or more artificialclimbing trees; c) securing said one or more artificial climbing treesto said base means; d) providing a means for housing a safety belayingand repelling system, wherein said means is coupled to said base meansand adjacent to said one or more artificial climbing trees; e) securingsaid one or more artificial climbing trees to said means for housing asafety belaying and repelling system; and f) installing a safetybelaying and repelling system within said means for housing a safetybelaying and repelling system.
 26. The method for making an artificialclimbing tree assembly and support system according to claim 25, whereinsaid step of assembling said one or more artificial climbing treesfurther comprises: a) joining a plurality of tubular segments together;and b) covering said joined plurality of tubular segments with one ormore surface segments containing a textured surface.
 27. The method formaking an artificial climbing tree assembly and support system accordingto claim 25, wherein said step of assembling said one or more artificialclimbing trees includes covering a tubular segment with one or moresurface segments containing a textured surface.
 28. The method formaking an artificial climbing tree assembly and support system accordingto claim 25, wherein said step of securing said one or more artificialclimbing trees to said means for housing a safety belaying and repellingsystem includes inclining said one or more artificial climbing treesaway from the top of said means for housing a safety belaying andrepelling system.
 29. The method for making an artificial climbing treeassembly and support system according to claim 25, further comprisingthe step of covering said base means with cushioned padding.
 30. Themethod for making an artificial climbing tree assembly and supportsystem according to claim 25, further comprising the step of coveringsaid base means with Astroturf® or other artificial surface material.